Prime Minister Tony Abbott may leave Arnhem Land early to deal with the deployment of troops to Iraq.
Mr Abbott arrived in the northeast Arnhem Land town of Nhulunbuy on Sunday, hours after announcing 600 defence force personnel would be sent to Iraq as part of an international effort to combat Islamic State militants.
He was to camp in the region until Friday to fulfil a pre-election promise to spend a week with indigenous communities.
Following a security briefing on Tuesday, Mr Abbott said it was possible he would have to end his trip early to deal with the deployment.
"It's very important that I keep faith with the people of east Arnhem Land and I certainly am determined to ensure that no one feels short-changed," he told reporters.
The prime minister had promised to give local communities his undivided attention, but has since held secure talks with ASIO and Defence Minister David Johnston.
Mr Abbott is still keen for a "deep and full" engagement with communities, pointing out that no previous prime minister has spent several days camping on the outskirts of Nhulunbuy.
He wouldn't say when he might leave the area.
Cabinet will consider a risk assessment before troops are sent into Iraq. Despite several ministers flying into the Top End, no cabinet meeting is planned while Mr Abbott is there.
He is only halfway through his program in Arnhem Land, with visits to schools and a war memorial still to come.
Constitutional recognition for indigenous Australians has been a top focus, with Mr Abbott saying a time frame for a referendum could be announced within days.
Share
